Criminal Justice News

Saturday, April 05, 2014

Justice To Be Served: Murder Suspect Captured After 4 Year Investigation

San Antonio, TX – Joe Martinez III, 24, was arrested this
afternoon by the United States Marshals Service Lone Star Fugitive Task Force
(LSFTF) in San Antonio, TX. An arrest warrant was issued pursuant to an
investigation by the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), where it is alleged
that Martinez committed 1st degree murder.

On March 24, 2014, members of the LSFTF initiated an
investigation in locating and apprehending Martinez. Through investigative
efforts and extensive surveillance, task force officers along with assistance
from SAPD determined that Martinez was hiding out with his girlfriend, Rebecca
Rodriguez, 23, in a hotel room located in the 2100 block of SW Loop 410, on the
northwest side of San Antonio. While conducting surveillance, task force
officers positively identified Martinez as he and Rodriguez exited the hotel
room. Task force officers approached Martinez, identified themselves, and took
him into custody without incident. Task force officers also arrested Rodriguez
based on an outstanding warrant for theft of a person.

On February 10, 2010, Martinez was allegedly involved in a
shooting that resulted in the death of a man here in San Antonio. Reports
stated that two rival groups were involved in a verbal altercation at a local
restaurant. The next day, Martinez and his group of friends approached the
victim in the 1700 block of West Laurel Street. Martinez allegedly pulled out a
handgun and shot the victim. After an extensive investigation conducted by SAPD
detectives, a District Court Judge of Bexar County issued a warrant for
Martinez’s arrest on March 20, 2014.

Martinez is currently being held in custody at the Bexar
County Jail.

Robert R. Almonte, United States Marshal for the Western
District of Texas, stated, “I am grateful for the successful efforts displayed
by our task force officers in arresting this fugitive, but more importantly I
extend my sincere gratitude to the SAPD detectives who worked diligently and
persistently over the past 4 years so that Martinez could finally be brought to
justice.”

Members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force:

New Braunfels
Police Department

San Antonio Police
Department

San Antonio
Independent School District Police Department

Bexar County
Sheriff’s Office

Comal County
Sheriff’s Office

Bexar County Fire
Marshal’s Office

Bexar County
District Attorney’s Office

Texas Office of
The Attorney General

Texas Department
of Public Safety

Texas Department
of Criminal Justice – Office of the Inspector General